Gal Gadot takes on the lead role in action adventure film "Wonder Woman."

"Wonder Woman" smashed box office records, bringing in a reported $100.5 million in its opening weekend ($223 million worldwide). The movie set a record for the biggest opening weekend of a film directed by a woman.

Why the hype?

Aside from boasting a certified fresh rating of 93 percent on Rotten Tomatoes, "Wonder Woman" is buoyed by its display of female badassery. From Caitlin Dechelle's wondrous display of martial arts as Gal Gadot's stunt double to the women beyond the Amazons themselves -- "Wonder Woman" is a film chalked with athletic performances. Spoiler alert: Many of them are athletes.

Included were CrossFit champion Brooke Ence, Victoria's Secret model and trained horsewoman Doutzen Kroes, and many others. The crew gathered in London for weeks of swordplay and strength training to properly prepare for their respective roles before heading to Italy to film the epic Amazonian battle scene.

"The trainers said they wanted us to look like the female version of '300'" Swedish professional fighter Madeleine Vall Beijner said to EW.com.

"Wonder Woman" has been heralded for its empowering message to women, including its athletic feats. "The first day we were on-set with all of our swords and shields, it felt like a different type of power," Ence said. "And we looked awesome."

Katie Barnes is a writer/reporter for espnW. Follow them on Twitter at Katie_Barnes3.